| Scranton City Council on Friday
demanded that Fire Chief Harvey Applegate provide a list of faulty fire hydrants to
council by 9 a.m. Tuesday. We are not requesting, councilman Brian Reap said in his
motion for the list. We need a plan of action and we need it now so we can protect public
safety.
The condition of fire hydrants in the city has become a critical issue in recent days
after firefighters found a number of dead hydrants in at least three fires, including a
fire in West Scranton that gutted four homes.
Chief Applegate so far has been unable to produce a list of bad hydrants which was
requested by The Scranton Times last week. But he said Friday night he would have the list
prepared by Tuesday and would turn it over to the council.
I dont know what theyre going to do about it, but well have it ready for them, he said.
In other business, council approved on a 3-to-2 vote a $10,000 increase in the salary
for the position of controller beginning in 2000. The salary was set at $40,000.
Councilman Chris Doherty and councilman Brian Reap both emphasized that their votes
against the increase were not a reflection on controller Roseann Novembrino. Mrs.
Novembrino is running for re-election for a new term that starts in 2000.
Mr. Doherty said the salary hike sets a bad precedent in light of the citys poor
financial situation, particularly when the 1999 budget included a tax increase and
personnel cuts. He said a $3.5 million to $4 million shortfall is expected in 2000.
As of this moment, we have no idea how were going to come up with that money, he said.
Mr. Reap said the citys financial troubles are not over, and officials continue to
struggle with the budget.
Councilman Ed Walsh said he understands the citys budgetary woes, but the controller is
a position of importance and responsibility. The pay is much lower than similar jobs at
City Hall, he said, noting the business administrator earns $46,000.
This particular raise is long overdue, he said.
Councilman Alex Hazzouri took aim at the citys financial problems, moving that
department heads provide an explanation for overtime costs, particularly if they are over
budget, and that Mayor Jim Connors and the administration take immediate action to move on
the Health Care Cost Containment Committee. Council approved both motions.
Mr. Connors hopes the health care committee and its consultant will eliminate the 20
percent increase in health insurance this year through an audit of Blue Cross/Blue Shield.
That increase amounts to about $800,000 and was not included in the 1999 budget.
Mr. Doherty said nothing has been done to hire the consultant or to get the committee
going. Meanwhile, the clock is ticking on health costs.
We will not get the savings we lost, he said. Each month we lose one-12th. Thatll be
seen at the end of the year when we run a deficit.
Mr. Hazzouri said he wants a response in five working days and legal action should be
taken if necessary to get the process moving.
Council also heard from two residents who complained about city finances. Joseph
Clifford predicted the city will face payless paydays in the coming months because of
problems with the budget. A West Scranton resident said that council was trying to put the
city further in a financial black hole.
Council introduced:
Transferring $577,832 from various city accounts to cover interest costs for late 1998
pension payments and other 1998 expenses.
Transferring $7,267 to cover overtime costs.
Setting up special accounts for the concession fee from AmericanAnglian Environmental
Technologies for the sewer privatization and for payments in lieu of taxes from nonprofit
institutions.
Establishing designated parking spaces around City Hall.
Council adopted ordinances:
Selling a tax-delinquent property at 1325 Penn Ave. to Charles DeAngelo, 1741 Monroe
Ave., Dunmore, for $4,000. |
